Yanmar, Hitachi In Distributed Power Alliance

Posted on June 4, 2014

Hitachi, Ltd. and Yanmar Energy System Co., Ltd. (YES) have announced an alliance for the development of distributed generation systems to power small-to-mid size factories, public facilities, and businesses. The system package was released June 2, 2014. The systems are apparently only available in Japan for now, but the two companies are considering other markets as well.

The system utilizes YES’s micro cogeneration technology and Hitachi’s newly-developed micro grid control system, a linked control mechanism. The package is designed for more efficient energy control and generation, to lower energy costs and CO2 emissions during peak usage times, as well as contributing to continuity by providing a self-powered system during times of power shortages and cuts.

Yanmar said in announcing the alliance, “the demand for solutions that both save energy and prevent power failures has risen since the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Revised laws regarding energy efficiency measures also positively value organizations actively involved in reducing energy consumption during peak times by using in-house power generation and storage batteries in distributed generation schemes.

“Because of this, there is a growing movement among factories, public facilities, and businesses for the introduction of distributed generation schemes that utilize gas engines, solar and wind power, storage batteries, etc. The establishment of such systems has involved the installation of a great variety of equipment, and therefore, a more convenient system structure was needed.”

YES has sold its “micro cogeneration” generators since 1998. The generators reduce heat loss by utilizing the residual heat produced by gas engine generators to provide energy for water heating and climate control. The micro cogeneration system is fitted with an engine that employs gas heat pump air-conditioning. It boasts a simplified installation process and a maintenance interval of 10,000 hours, YES said. Over 6800 units have been provided to various establishments, including health and welfare facilities, factories, restaurants, etc.